Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Embedding
Tissue floats up before the wax sets
What it looks like
Tissue appears poorly embedded with visible air bubbles or floating fragments in the wax block.
Where it usually appears: Occurs during the embedding process before the wax solidifies.
Likely causes
- Inadequate fixation leading to tissue shrinkage
- Insufficient infiltration of wax into the tissue
- Improper temperature of the embedding medium
- Excessive moisture in the tissue sample
Immediate checks
- Verify the adequacy of fixation time and method
- Check the temperature of the embedding medium
Corrective action
- Re-embed the tissue after ensuring proper infiltration
- Adjust the temperature of the embedding medium
Preventive action
- Ensure proper fixation protocols are followed
- Use adequate embedding techniques to prevent moisture retention
This atlas is for educational purposes for laboratory professionals. It does not replace your institutional SOPs, manufacturer instructions, validated protocols or pathologist judgment. Adapt any action to your laboratory and equipment.
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